How to Make the Vulcan Predator Paper Airplane

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Very fast, long range and durable, the Vulcan Predator is a capable dart paper airplane optimized as an interceptor.

The Vulcan Predator was originally developed in early 2015, in response to an effort to create an improved interceptor over existing types like the Ultraceptor and StratoDagger. However, alongside the prototype Vulcan Predator (at the time known only as the "XF346-1") were improved variants of the two existent aircraft. The Vulcan Predator performed well in flight testing, but it was passed over for publication in favor of the others and for over a year the design was shelved.

Eventually, the XF346-1 was revisited and the Predator was developed from its basic layout. In light of the success of the Predator, I decided to release the successful prototype as well. After being given a name that recognized its similarities with the Vulcan series that had preceded it and the Predator it gave rise to, the Vulcan Predator's tutorial was made and published.

TAA USAF Designation: F346-1

Step 1: Materials

Required:1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch paper

Tape

Ruler

Pencil

Optional:

Scissors (for additional surfaces only)

Step 2: Length, Width and Nose Folding

Fold the paper in half along its length. Then fold the paper in half along its width.

Once this is done, pull the width edge of one side of the paper into the width center crease and make a crease. After doing this, unfold the paper. Taking the same width edge again, pull the paper into this fourth crease and make another crease. After doing this, pull the corners in on this fold as shown in the ninth photograph. Reverse these corner folds and tuck them underneath the fold.

Step 3: Corner and Leading Edge Folding

Pull the leading edges' corners into the center crease on each side and crease. After doing this, pull the crease itself to the center fold. After doing this on both sides, unfold.

Near the trailing edge, fold the tips of the paper into the crease and repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Airfoil Folding

Fold the outer edges of the paper into the creases as shown and repeat on both sides.

Pull the tips of the corners of the paper into line with these creases as shown on each side and then pull them forward. The edges of this fold should be the corner of folded paper and the folded portion below it. After creasing, reverse the fold and tuck it underneath. Repeat on the other side.

After working with the corner folds initial angling, pull their leading edges down in line with the crease as shown. Repeat on the other side. Fold along the creases as pictured.

Step 5: Leading Edge and Nose Folding

Along existing creases, fold the the leading edges down as pictured in the first and second photographs. With this done, there will be a portion of paper that hangs over the center crease. Revere this fold as shown in the third photograph and repeat it on the other side. Lay the paper out flat and pull the forward edges of the diamond down until reaching the apex. Crease at the point. After doing this, pull the triangle forward again until the layers underneath are revealed. Crease the triangle and then tuck the entire fold in under the edges of the nose.

With this done, take the blunt front edge of the nose and pull it to the trailing edges and crease. After you have done this, pull the nose forward again until the existent crease sits over top of half crease you have just made. Crease when the paper is positioned correctly. Fold the corners of the paper on each side to this new crease and then pull the nose forward again to lock the corner folds down.

Step 6: Canard, Wing and Winglet Folding; Taping

Fold the canards down on each side while aligning their leading edges with that of the nose.

Measure 1 inch above the center crease and then 1 inch from the wingtip along the trailing edge (make these on both sides at these points), as shown in the fourth and fifth photographs. Fold the wings down at the first mark. Repeat on the other side. After doing this, fold the winglets at the second set of points. Keep the trailing edges of the winglets parallel with those of the wings.

Apply tape where designated in the photographs to complete your Vulcan Predator.

Step 7: Flight

The Vulcan Predator flies much the same as other darts--particularly other Vulcan derivatives. Any origami aviators who have used those aircraft should be able to easily transition to this aircraft.

Launches should be done at neutral or positive attitudes at moderate to high speeds. Test flights should be conducted to see if any trimming is necessary. Additional applicable surfaces include ailerons, elevators, elevons, rudders, air brakes and an "electronic warfare" tail. Enjoy!